For a healthy body and mind

With obesity on the rise, the risk of metabolic syndrome increases as the two are closely linked. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found calcium and magnesium could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

The research carried out by Case Western Reserve University (U.S.) used data from 9,418 adults and found that women who were meeting the US Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for magnesium and calcium had a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. It was bad news for men, though, who appeared to need over the RDA for their risk to be lowered.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of characteristics that include fat around the middle, glucose intolerance and high blood pressure (hypertension). The syndrome is also associated with high levels of harmful fats in the blood linked to heart disease, cancers and type 2 diabetes.

Good food sources of magnesium include pulses, nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables and whole grains. Good food sources of calcium include white beans (cannellini), dried figs, kale, black-eyed peas, almonds and tofu. It is also worth taking a good quality supplement to support your diet.